The potential risks of opening the mind's eye with psychedelic therapies.
Roger Koenig-robert, Rebecca Keogh, Joel Pearson
Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior October 1, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2025.08.002 via PubMed
Summary
The use of psychedelic therapy is increasing, but there are concerns about reports suggesting that individuals with aphantasia may develop visual mental imagery after using psychedelics. While the idea of gaining or enhancing visual imagery is attractive, strong mental imagery has been linked to various mental health conditions. The potential effects on mental health from activating or intensifying visual imagery in those with aphantasia or neurotypical individuals are still unclear, highlighting the need for ethical considerations and informed consent.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Activating visual imagery in people with aphantasia through psychedelics may have unknown impacts on mental health. |
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Abstract
Psychedelic therapy is on the rise, as its legalisation is ongoing in multiple countries. Here, we write a note of warning regarding recent reports that people with aphantasia (a blind mind's eye) have acquired visual mental imagery after using psychedelics. While the prospect of gaining, or indeed increasing, visual mental imagery is appealing to many, strong mental imagery has been associated with a range of mental conditions. How 'switching on' visual imagery in people with aphantasia or increasing its strength in neurotypical individuals might impact mental health remains unknown. We advocate for increased awareness of this issue and its ethical implications, particularly regarding informed consent.